We hear of this mystery as the Exultant sung by the Deacon during the Easter Vigil Mass. Speaking of Adam and Eve’s sin, the ancient words recall, “O happy fault which earned for us so great a Savor.” Yes, this original sin grievously offended God and resulted in great harm to all of humanity. Yet, at the same time, this sin was the catalyst for God’s greatest act of mercy: the incarnation of the Son and redemption of the world by His death and resurrection.
In our everyday lives, we can see mercy’s resurrecting power quietly at work. Perhaps you know a family with a special-needs child. The suffering and sacrifice they experience is real. But the love, acceptance, and compassion which is born in their hearts through this trial, is infinitely more valuable than the evil is harmful. Think of the assassination attempt on Pope Saint John Paul II. The sacrilege and hatred was horrific. However, the forgiveness and courageous love which was drawn out of the Holy Father because of this violence was so much more powerful than any angry bullet. We also frequently watch how natural disasters or accidents can bring forth the best in a community. Yes, lives are deeply affected by these tragedies, but the vulnerability and pain can create an opportunity for people to rally together in solidarity. The examples are endless. Our love and kindness, especially when drawn out of our hearts through life’s ‘storms,’ reflect the eternal power of God’s mercy.
God’s mercy always triumphs! Sometimes God gives us a glimpse of this victory, and at other times we must wait until it is unveiled in Heaven. We can be assured, though, that no matter how grievous our offences or how broken our world, God’s merciful love can transform these situations into witnesses of His magnificent glory. Let us ask for the grace during this holy Jubilee Year of Mercy to see the ‘other side’ of the storm–the radiant power of His boundless mercy in our lives.
